How Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is like a woman…
A couple of days ago my boyfriend and I rented The Game Plan, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. (Side note: yes that is the movie where The Rock is a football player, and then BAM, his long lost 8-year-old daughter shows up at his door and then BAM he is a father and hilarity ensues. Yes we have excellent taste in movies. Yes The Rock wears a ballet leotard in the film.).
After watching a movie I always go to imdb.com to check out the trivia. I found out that sadly, this will be the last film that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will use “The Rock” in his name. Every other film that he does, he will be credited as only: Dwayne Johnson.
While I was arts n’ crafting today, I started to think about how he is changing his name. Everyone knows him as “The Rock” – everything is going to change now. Does this removal of “The Rock” mean that he is a serious thespian now? Or perhaps he wants to move away from being the stereotypical bulging muscles man?
Now, I know you are saying: “But Dara. Although The Rock is pretty sexy sometimes (in that post-wrestler too many muscles but still kinda hot way), what DOES this have to do with the importance that is PR blogging?”
Well, although this is a bit of a stretch, I would like to compare The Rock to PR women who want to get married.
PR is all about networking, and getting people to know who you are. Hypothetically, let’s say that I become a huge PR superstar, and everyone everywhere in Canada wants Dara Goulet: PR Master at their company.
What a great future I see for myself. But, wait! Hold on. A few years have passed and I am getting ready to stop living in sin and start living in holy matrimony. I am no long Ms. Dara Goulet, but Mrs. Dara (insert hilarious last name here).
BAM. Instantly people’s perceptions of me change. No longer am I the independent go-getter/jet-setter. I am the “ol’ ball and chain.” I am domesticated.
What I am really tying to say is that it is hard out there for a professional woman (and a professional ex-wrestler). The traditional part of me says: “Yes, you take that man’s last name. Go marriage!” while the other part of me says: “Burn your bra! Be independent! Be the PR superstar with the last name Goulet!”
After all of this ranting I think we all know what should be done. I will have to look through the phone book to see if the late Robert Goulet has any youngish male relatives.
helsinkiwinner said,
March 3, 2008 at 5:02 am
OT: When The Rock presented at the Oscars, my mother said this: “Oh look, there’s Dwayne.” No Lie.
Back on track. Some women go by their maiden names at work (where the success was found), and then go by their married name outside of work. Tricky I’m sure.
I think it is up to the woman what she wants; whether she is a bra burning feminist or a domesticated diva. Personally, I would go with the married name.
You better marry Colin before your career takes off so you won’t have to deal with this.
ctoni said,
March 4, 2008 at 9:00 pm
His name is Dwayne?? For real? He doesn’t look like a Dwayne. He looks like a Chris or maybe even a Rocco.
wordsinpr said,
March 4, 2008 at 10:18 pm
I enjoyed your post a lot. I think it is a great concern of women today. For me it is an easy answer, but I can see how some women have a hard time parting with their name. I am all for changing names and becoming one in name. Great post!
shannon16 said,
March 5, 2008 at 9:25 pm
I love the comparison between the “new” Dwayne and the “new” married woman. To be quite honest it has never crossed my mind about how people’s perceptions would change about me going from single to married in the working world. Nor would I care at that point.
I’m sure that by then we will be a little older and ready to settle into a home that doesn’t really accommodate the jet-setting lifestyle that so many young people strive to achieve. I think that the changing of your name would lend credibility to the fact that you’re a committed woman (both inside and outside the home)
janeyet said,
March 7, 2008 at 8:54 am
Growing up in a small town, and everyone knows you & your family. Then you get married and you call someone or try to do something. Keeping in mind everyone tells you “its who you know.”
Hello, this is Jane Thompson, who?
Jane Larouche, oh Hi Jane what can I do for you.
That’s pretty much what happens to me on a regular basis.
So I can totally relate to your great post.
Cheers,
Jane
juniorwellander said,
March 10, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Dara I always enjoy reading ur blogs, they are the best !
meisty said,
March 14, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Maybe “Dwayne” should play a successful female PR professional in his next move. He could fall in love with Cate Blanchett (playing a traditionally minded man, or Bob Dylan). Miss. Dwayne would then have to choose between his (her) career and love. I would totally go see that.
raymcilroy said,
March 21, 2008 at 10:45 pm
I think the solution is clear, when you get married change your name to The Rock.